With sports director Gasparotto leaving, Red Bull appears to be rolling out the red carpet for Evenepoel's inner circle

The 43-year-old Gasparotto retired from cycling in 2020 after a career spanning 17 seasons. During that time, he won the Amstel Gold Race twice. He then went on to work as a sports director, joining Ralph Denk's team in 2022. The German has said goodbye to his team manager in a statement on the team website. “I would like to thank Enrico for his passion and commitment. We wish him all the best for the future - both professionally and personally.”

Gasparotto had a contract until the end of 2025, but this will not be renewed by mutual agreement, the team said. “Being part of the Team has been an exciting opportunity: we worked together in making it one of the most important and successful cycling teams of the world, and will keep all the great memories about the Giro in 2022 and 2024 and the Tour 2025. I wish the team all the best luck for a successful future.”

Gasparotto's departure has sparked several rumors. For years, Remco Evenepoel has been linked with a transfer to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, but in recent months, those rumors seem to have become more than just rumors. A transfer seems closer than ever. Cycling journalist Daniel Benson even claimed last week that the transfer is already as good as done. With the announcement that Sven Vanthourenhout will be joining the team, the rumors have only grown louder.

The Belgian was the former coach of the Belgian national team and led Evenepoel to three world titles and two Olympic gold medals. He will now succeed Rolf Aldag at Red Bull, who took on the role of sporting director until 2025. Vanthourenhout is not the only Belgian who appears to be joining the coaching staff: Klaas Lodewyck is being mentioned as Gasparotto's successor.

If he transfers to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, Evenepoel will be allowed to take some of his trusted colleagues with him. The 37-year-old Belgian is currently sports director at Soudal Quick-Step and was there when his protégé withdrew from the Tour de France this summer. Evenepoel would love to take his compatriot with him to his new team, according to Sporza.